The latest infrastructure project at Starbase, Texas, is not just another launch pad or rocket booster; it’s a significant water pipeline. This development will not only facilitate water access but also redefine the concept of a “company town” as it determines who can connect to this vital resource and under what conditions.
This new pipeline will run from Brownsville to the recently established city of Starbase, replacing the current method of transporting potable water via trucks. Mark Dombroski, COO of the local public utilities board, confirmed the project during a meeting on July 16, revealing that a contract has been signed with the company to supply water as an in-city customer.
The contract was approved on June 2, but Dombroski did not clarify why the company is classified as a nonresidential customer within city limits, which typically enjoys lower rates compared to those outside the city, despite the establishment of its own city.
According to Dombroski, the company will finance the extension of the pipeline to a metering point within the city limits and will also cover the necessary improvements for the utilities board to deliver water to that meter. This arrangement is designed to replace the current water hauling system once the company begins utilizing the new pipeline, with the timeline largely dependent on the construction schedule.
The current water delivery system is limited to a maximum of 60,000 gallons per day, as per an agreement between the public utilities board and the company. The new pipeline is expected to alleviate these restrictions, enabling the company to expand its facilities and housing options for employees.
However, for some homes not affiliated with the company, accessing this water may come with specific stipulations.
In July, nearly 40 properties along the route from Brownsville to Boca Chica were unexpectedly disconnected from county water services. Previously, the county had provided fresh water as a courtesy, but it now asserts that the responsibility lies with the new city to supply water to these residents.
The city of Starbase has contested this decision, with city administrator Kent Myers expressing concerns in a letter to a county commissioner about the potential safety and public health risks posed by the sudden cutoff.
Furthermore, the company has reportedly offered an “unconditional and perpetual agreement” to non-affiliated homes, which would grant them access to the water and sewer systems in exchange for their agreement to vacate the area during any launch or testing activities. This agreement also states that the company is not obligated to provide water access or guarantee its quality, and it limits residents’ rights to seek legal recourse.
The newly formed city of Starbase, overseen by executives from the company, is a distinct municipal entity that encompasses the expansive launch site in South Texas. The city was officially incorporated in May, with only registered voters within the designated area allowed to participate in the vote. Out of 247 lots in the area, only 10 were not owned by the company.
Even before the incorporation vote, the company had been working to establish a regulated drinking-water system, complete with a substantial storage tank and necessary infrastructure, according to state records. This system, while smaller than a typical city utility, is significant for an industrial operation and currently serves 239 residential connections.
It’s important to note that the city of Starbase is not designed to provide utility services; these are managed by the company within the city limits. Consequently, the new pipeline will primarily support a private water system operated by the company, meaning that neighboring residents will not automatically gain access to water; any connection will be subject to the company’s discretion.
While the pipeline addresses immediate water needs for employees and their families, it does not establish a public right to water access. Public records indicate that the company has not secured a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity, which is required in Texas for retail water services, meaning it is not obligated to serve external parties.
As of now, the company has not responded to inquiries regarding the potential addition of public utility services to its existing commercial offerings.